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Obituaries December 26, 2012

Gordon Everett LaClair, 76, died peacefully in his sleep on December 17, 2012, at his residence in Barton.

In June of 2008, he was predeceased by his wife, Rose (McCann), whom he shared many years with as they raised three children, primarily in Orleans County.

He met his wife while stationed at Greenham Common Air Force Base in England. It was a quick courtship, and it did not take long for them to marry after meeting one another. It was a partnership that lasted almost 50 years, until her death.

Mr. LaClair was a true “old school Vermonter.” Even when he was a young boy, he had an amazing work ethic, happily helping his father farm. Anything that involved the outdoors was where he loved to be, especially if it involved driving a tractor. Milking cows, haying, plowing the fields,… He loved farming as he was growing up, and he loved his tractors right up until the day he died.

In his late teens, Mr. LaClair enlisted in the Air Force. After his enlistment was finished, he served in the Army Guard for a short time, then transitioned to the Air National Guard, where he faithfully served in the Air Force and Air Guard for a total of 35 years, retiring as a master sergeant.

Mr. LaClair honed his skills as a chef during his military service, working at various establishments throughout the years, doing what he had an inbred knack for — cooking. He loved to cook. In latter years, he was employed in dining services at Lyndon State College. He worked there approximately 20 years until his retirement. Even on his days off, when he could rest from the kitchen, he still would often make elaborate meals for the family.

Anybody who personally knew Gordon, also knew that he was a diligent worker. He was a man who had a very difficult time merely “relaxing.” After his retirement, he kept himself busy by helping friends and neighbors with building projects and working on their gardens with the trusty old Ford tractor he inherited from his dad, which he lovingly kept painting and repairing for decades. He once even sold his old Ford, but missed it so much that he bought it back. It was something his dad handed down to him, and he simply couldn’t permanently part with it.

Even though he bought himself a brand new tractor last year, Mr. LaClair still said that his old ’52 Ford was his favorite. Nothing could replace it.

He was noted for his simplicity. There was nothing complicated or guileful about Mr. LaClair. He was a simple man who enjoyed a very simple life.

Throughout their lives, both Mr. and Mrs. LaClair had a collection of much-loved pets, which they doted on with great affection. Mr. LaClair always had a collection of faithful dogs and cats, and along with his wife, treated all of his pets like they were favored grandchildren.

What Mr. LaClair loved even more than tractors and animals was his Catholic faith. After he met his wife, he converted to Catholicism and practiced his faith with great devotion. He could be seen at Mass every single week, and, along with other parishioners, faithfully prayed the rosary before the service.

He and Mrs. LaClair always made certain they said their daily prayers together before they started the day. He helped clean the church, and passed the offering baskets at Mass, and made certain that his parish knew they could count on him for anything that was needed. His spiritual faith played the greatest role in his life.

Mr. LaClair was a “people person.” He could be very outgoing and talkative.

He cared about almost everyone who had touched his life. He was a frequent visitor to those he knew who were in the hospital or living in nursing homes. He would put flowers on the graves of distant relatives who had died even if he hadn’t seen them in years, because as he would say, “It doesn’t matter that I haven’t seen them in 30 years. You still remember people anyway. This is important.”

Whatever Mr. LaClair did, he did with great sincerity and heart — or he wouldn’t do it at all. That summed up what he stood for: He was simple and sincere.

Mr. LaClair was born on December 13, 1936, in Sutton to Ray and Avis (Knapp) LaClair.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Stanley, niece Cynthia LaClair-Stone, and brother-in-law Stanley Brill, along with many extended family members, including uncles and cousins and in-laws, also in Vermont, and throughout the United Kingdom.

He is survived by his three children: Patrick of Apache Junction, Arizona, Jacqueline of Bradford, and Christina of Shelburne; by his daughter-in-law Diana LaClair and son-in-law Steven Butler; by his seven grandchildren: Tabitha, April, Matthew, Katherine, Tameara, Tianna, and Steven; by his sister Shirley Brill of Sutton; and by many nieces, nephews, and in-laws throughout the United Kingdom and the United States. Special recognition goes to Ann Farrand of Newport, who was a wonderful sister-in-law, and who remained close to Mr. and Mrs. LaClair throughout the years.

Mr. and Mrs. LaClair both had a great fondness for Shirley and Stanley’s children, and dearly loved Mrs. LaClair’s siblings and nieces and nephews in the United Kingdom. Even after his wife died, Mr. LaClair made certain to keep in touch with his wife’s family overseas. One of his last tasks was to make sure he sent out Christmas cards to some of those in Ireland, England and Scotland. Quite an undertaking, considering that Mrs. LaClair was one of 13 children.

We might presume that Mr. LaClair was reunited with his favorite Irish lady, Rose, in heaven, where she no doubt was patiently waiting for him.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, December 28, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home at 12 Elm Street in Barton. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 29, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Barton with the Reverend Timothy Naples celebrating a Mass. Spring interment will be in the Sutton Village Cemetery in Sutton.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.

Ruth Martin

Ruth Mae Martin

Ruth Mae Martin, 72, of Island Pond died peacefully at her home on December 17, 2012, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born November 15, 1940, in East Charleston, a daughter of Frank and Irene (LaCourse) Wood Jr. On December 31, 1955, she married Earl E. Martin Sr., who predeceased her on November 30, 2011.

Along with her late husband, Mrs. Martin created and operated Martin’s Redemption Center in Island Pond for several years. At one time she was also employed by Ethan Allen Manufacturing in Island Pond and Orleans and by the veneer mill in Stratford, New Hampshire.

Mrs. Martin enjoyed the company of her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also loved cooking family dinners and spending time with her pets.

She is survived by her children: Earl Martin, Jr. and his wife, Francine, of Island Pond, Robert Martin and his wife, Tia, of Niceville, Florida, Dale Martin of Nashua, New Hampshire, Denis Martin of Morgan, and Tammy Barrup of Island Pond; by her grandchildren: Lance, Corey, Adam, Cody, Dawn, Andrew, Aimee, Eric, Jessica, and Martin; by her great-grandchildren: Chance, Sarah, Taylor, Connor, Austin, Leo, Lucas, Brooklyn, Gracie, Corey-James, and Austin-Paul; by her brothers and sisters: Alton Ward of Boca Raton, Florida, Marilyn Maxwell and her husband, Douglas, of Island Pond, Marion Wood of Newport, Marjorie Douglas of McKinney, Texas, Carl Wood of Alberta, Canada, Dorothy Rundle of Statesville, North Carolina, and Ruby Cook of Fort Myers, Florida; by her sisters-in-law: Beatrice Gentley of Campton, New Hampshire, and Eva Martin of Island Pond; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a sister, Elizabeth Willmot.

Funeral services were held on December 19 at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Island Pond with the Reverend Jacob Kocis officiating. Interment followed in Lakeside Cemetery in Island Pond.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Division, Inc., 55 Day Lane, Williston, Vermont 05495.

Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.

Harry Porter

Harry A. Porter

Harry A. Porter, 71, of Derby Line, died on December 15, 2012, at his home.

He was born March 16, 1941, in Derby Line, a son of Milton and Winifred (Drew) Porter.

He entered the United States Navy in 1962 and was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia.

Mr. Porter was an electrician for Tivoly, Inc., in Derby Line and retired after 35 years. He was a member of American Legion Post #21 of Newport and the Derby Fish and Game Club.

His hobbies included fishing, woodworking, and making much of the furniture in his home. He loved all animals, especially his dog, Lucky, who was his constant companion. He also enjoyed traveling, including attending several Navy reunions and fishing up north.

He is survived by his brother Milton Porter and his wife, Diane, of Alamo, Texas, and by several nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.

He was predeceased by his sister Mildred Graves and her husband, Jim.

Funeral services were held on December 22 at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Newport with the Reverend John Genco officiating. Spring interment will be in the Derby Line Cemetery.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.

Roger Ricard

Roger H. Ricard

Roger H. Ricard, 56, of Windsor, Connecticut, loving husband of 19 years to Lynn (Wolf) Ricard, died on Monday, December 17, 2012, at Manchester Memorial Hospital in Manchester, Connecticut.

He was born in Newport, a son of the late John Paul Ricard and Avis (Lafont) Ricard. He grew up and lived in Newport before moving to Windsor 20 years ago. He was a graduate of North Country Union High School, and he was employed by Ethan Allen Manufacturing as a furniture repairman for many years.

Mr. Ricard enjoyed woodworking. He was a loving and devoted husband, brother and friend who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sisters: Theresa Ricard and Deborah Biron and her husband, Dale, all of Newport; a brother, John P. Ricard Jr., and his wife, Tammy, of Newport; his father- and mother-in-law, Reid and Mercedes Wolf, of Naples, Florida, and formerly of Windsor, Connecticut; four brothers-in-law: Brian Wolf and his wife, Maureen, of Granby, Connecticut, Kevin Wolf of Salem, Massachusetts, Keith Wolf and his wife, Karen, of Windsor, and Lee Wolf and his wife, Diane, of Salem; and by many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister Rachel Ricard.

A Mass was held at St. Gabriel Church in Windsor on December 22. Burial will take place in the spring in Newport.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mr. Ricard’s memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, Virginia 22312.

Richard Kenneth Richardson, ten months, beloved son of Richard Quesnel and Kristi Richardson, died on December 17, 2012, at Copley Hospital in Morrisville.

Richard was known to his family as “Little Man” and “Baby Rich.” At birth he had heart surgery at the Boston Children’s Medical Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

Little Man loved to be rocked. He woke up saying Mama and never called Grandma Tina; he called her “Nana.” He was a very independent, good-natured, happy, fun-loving baby who died too soon. He loved eating toast.

He is survived by his father and mother, Richard Quesnel and Kristi Richardson, of Jeffersonville; his maternal grandparents Ken and Tina Richardson of Lowell; paternal grandparents Rick and Rhonda Quesnel of North Troy; his maternal great-grandparents Jack and Margaret Richardson of Lowell; and by his uncles: Michael and his wife, Bobbi, of Greensville, New Hampshire, and Jason and Matthew of Lowell.

Funeral services were held at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Newport on December 21 with Pastor George Lawson officiating. Interment will be in the Mountainview Cemetery in Lowell.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association, Vermont Affiliate, Inc., 434 Hurricane Lane, Williston, Vermont 05495.

Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.

Marie Colburn Wilcox

Marie Colburn Wilcox, 80, died at her daughter’s home in Kissimmee, Florida, on November 22, 2012, after a long illness.

She was born on January 10, 1932, in Derby, a daughter of the late Carmi and Lena (Dunn) Benoit. She married Roy Colburn, who predeceased her and then married Ken Wilcox of Derby, who also predeceased her.

Mrs. Wilcox graduated from Derby Academy and went on to work for New England Telephone and then for Sears on Main Street in Newport for several years.

She is survived by her daughter Deborah Rodgers and her husband, Leslie, of Kissimmee; her son Brian and his wife, Cindy, of Roanoke, Virginia; by five grandchildren; by four great-grandchildren; by her brother Ronald of Georgetown, Massachusetts; and her sister-in-law Denise Benoit Cartner of Derby.

She was predeceased by her brother Gordon in 1999.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, Virginia 22312.

Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.